Do you feel nauseous and sickly every time you eat a bowl of rigatoni? Do wheat products hurt your tummy? Chances are you’re dealing with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Under such circumstances, the immediate course of action would be to quit gluten completely. And yes, that means you can’t have pasta anymore. At least not the traditional kind.
But if you think you’ll live off eggs and celery for the rest of your life, think again. Asian cuisine is packed with delightful gluten-free meals that will restore your love for good food. All you need is a little research to find your favorites!
Need a place to start? Check out our list of six Asian gluten-free recipes and pair it with Mekhala’s range of gluten-free sauces for some extra zing.
Six Asian gluten-free recipes
1. Golden Fried Rice
One of the easiest gluten-free recipes, fried rice is a dish that can be found on menus in many parts of Asia. The ingredients are simple enough – day-old cooked white rice, eggs, and some seasoning and spices. You can also add a splash of gluten-free cooking wine for extra depth of flavor and to improve the taste.
As for vegetables, choy sum is traditionally used in golden fried rice. But you can always substitute it with whatever you have available, including broccoli and asparagus. A little experimentation never hurt anybody.
A word of caution. Golden fried rice should be cooked evenly at high temperatures, so if you’re looking to make more than two portions, we recommend you cook them in batches.
Also, check out a few Fried Rice recipes that you can make using Mekhala Living’s sauces, pastes and dressings:
– https://mekhalaliving.com/recipe/sambal-fried-rice/
– https://mekhalaliving.com/recipe/ginger-scallion-egg-fried-rice/
2. Chicken Satay
When it comes to downright delicious gluten-free appetizers, chicken satay takes the cake. It’s one of those dishes you’ll dream about long after you have cleared the plate. Enriched with the comforting flavors of peanuts, ginger, and brown sugar, chicken satay takes minimal prep and gets ready in no time.
You’ll first need to marinate the chicken in the peanut sauce for at least two hours, though leaving it overnight is best. Be sure to coat the chicken completely, turning your marinating pieces at intervals if necessary.
The next step is to skewer the chicken pieces and grill them until cooked. This dish is simple, easy, and typically takes less than 30 minutes in total.
Going Vegan? Well we have also got you covered.
Try our Peanut Yellow Curry Tempeh Skewers made using our Organic Yellow Curry Paste
3. Chinese Rice Cake Soup
There’s nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up on cold days. And with this Chinese rice cake soup, you’re looking at a guaranteed hit. This traditional dish is a comfort food in several Chinese regions, thanks to its wholesome ingredients and nutritional value.
For this gluten-free meal, you’ll need to buy Asian food products like rice cakes either online or at your local Asian grocer. First, cook some pork/chicken, carrots, scallions, and cabbage in a wok, then add enough chicken stock and water to cover the mix. Once you bring everything to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes.
Finish things off with some salt, sesame oil, and light soy sauce (check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free). Sprinkle the rice cakes on top and voila! Your bowl of deliciousness is good to go.
4. Onigiri
Onigiri, Japanese for ‘rice ball’, is a staple in healthy Asian food. What’s more, it’s traditionally devoid of gluten. In Japan, onigiri is eaten as breakfast, brought on picnics, and packed into bento lunchboxes. Think of it as the East’s answer to sandwiches.
The history of onigiri is just as interesting as the dish itself. It was invented nearly 2000 years ago to preserve fresh rice and bring it along on long trips. Everyone, from samurai to farmers, relied on this organic, gluten-free Asian food while they traversed far and wide.
These lip-smacking triangular rice balls are usually stuffed with a variety of fillings and flavors. You can add salmon, pickled plum, seasoned cod roe, tuna mayonnaise, or anything else based on your preferences. Just mold the wet rice into a ball, add your filling, wrap it in a strip of nori seaweed, and you’re done!
5. Crispy Fried Tofu
Tofu is the undisputed king of gluten-free, low-calorie, healthy Asian foods. Made from soybean curds, it is a crucial source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Plus, tofu contains isoflavones like phytoestrogens, which may help protect you against some cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis (when consumed in moderation).
While there are plenty of ways to enjoy tofu (the Korean sundubu-jiggae or tofu stew comes to mind), a quick way to prepare it would be to fry and toss it in some salt and pepper.
Because you don’t need any additional prep for this dish, it’s great for those days when you want to get dinner on the table quickly. And it’s a delicacy to boot! Pair it with Mekhala’s range of gluten-free sauces for some extra zing.
6. Japchae
Think you can’t have noodles on a gluten-free diet? Try japchae on for size.
Usually seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and a rainbow of vegetables, japchae is a Korean classic. The noodles are made from potato starch and have no gluten whatsoever. You can also swap out some of the ingredients with their gluten-free alternatives.
Japchae is slightly heavy on the chopping, but once you get over it, it’s pretty easy to put together. Since the noodles also taste amazing both cold or reheated the next day, you can make a big batch for a couple of days ahead.
Boasting a phenomenal balance of salty sweetness, a plate of japchae is sure to put you in a good mood. Get cooking today!
The Wrap-up
There you have it, six appetizing Asian dishes fit for a gluten-free diet!
We get it, going gluten-free isn’t the easiest choice to make. However, now that you have learned about these six delicious recipes, you’ll have no trouble adapting to your new food habits. Besides, make sure you stock up on a ton of gluten-free sauces, dressings, and cooking pastes to add even more flavor to your dishes.
Looking for a place to buy organic Asian cooking pastes? Mekhala has got your back. We use all-natural, sustainable ingredients that are good for you and the planet. Browse our inventory or reach out to us to learn more about what we offer today!
